Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction & Match Preview

Two heavyweights of Spain and Europe take on each other at the Wanda Metropolitano this Saturday, to possibly determine the tone for the rest of the season.

Barca comes after suffering a home defeat after almost two years. They were jubilant that their talisman had returned to their midst, but even King Leo, the GOAT, couldn’t save them from being engulfed by Quique Setien’s astonishing tactics. The hosts sunk to a 3-4 defeat. Though Messi pulled back two goals and a key pass which led to the third, the Blaugrana walked back with their heads held low.

It was a tactical masterclass from the Real Betis coach, who strongly put on his candidature to take on the reigns at Camp Nou, should Ernesto Valverde leave this summer.

Atletico pulled off a minor miracle at their home after trailing for most of the match. Inaki Williams was the thorn in Barca’s side. He scored an away brace against one of the best defensive teams in Europe. But Atleti did find a way to get back into the game. And maybe it was poetic that Diego Godin, the captain himself scored the winner, in the 91st minute.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Head-to-head (h2h)

Nine of last ten wins, and sixteen of last eighteen victories in head-to-head matches have been recorded by Barcelona.

Atleti is on a five-match unbeaten streak and has lost just once in their last 14 outings.

Barca was on a nine-match unbeaten streak before their home loss to Betis. They have lost just twice in their last 19 games.

Atleti is on a six-match winning streak at home and has lost just twice in their last 22 ties at home.

Barcelona is unbeaten in their last five matches on the road. They have lost just one of their last seven matches away from home.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction

Barca will be desperate to get back to their winning ways once they get back from the international break. They performed so well in the absence of captain Lionel Messi, and many expected them to improve once he returned. But they had to deal with a loss at home for the first time in two years in his first match back in action.

Expect them to come prepared, and go guns blazing and to make a point to the rest of the teams in Europe.

Atleti will surely miss their captain and center back Diego Godin who has been ruled out of this match due to his injury. They will look up to Antoine Griezmann and probably Diego Costa, for inspiration.

Both teams, Barca especially have been conceding goals at regular intervals, opposite to the case of last season. Ter Stegen, despite his usual heroics under the bar, was average at best against Betis. Expect both sides to get on the scoresheet.